It's no secret that Shonda Rhimes' hit romantic drama Bridgerton is based on the best-selling novel series by Julia Quinn published in the early 2000s.
Of course, much has been changed in the adaptation, but the first two seasons of the show have shown that the structure of the book series and its main characters remain intact.
The story revolves around a wealthy London family living in the Regency era at the beginning of the 19th century. If in Quinn's series each book is dedicated to one of the eight Bridgerton siblings and their love story, in the show one major love story equals one season. This means that, with any luck, we are looking at an eight-season series that will deliver new and exciting romantic arcs every year.
But which of these seasons are the most anticipated by fans? Will there be anything better than Daphne and Anthony's stories? Will Colin and Penelope's arc be worth the long wait?
Of course, with Shonda's creative approach to the adaptation, it's hard to say, but we might have a way to make some predictions.
Here is a ranking of all of Quinn's novels, based on Goodreads user scores.
8. To Sir Phillip, With Love (Eloise Bridgerton, #5)
Goodreads Rating: 3.73/5
Eloise is one of the most popular siblings in the series, but her solo book is the least favorite among Quinn's readers. The character of Eloise disappointed many fans by being nothing more than a generic Regency girl. And her love interest, Phillip Crane, felt like an unlikable, biased man and a neglectful father.
We can only hope that all of this will be changed when Eloise's turn comes.
7. The Duke and I (Daphne Bridgerton, #1)
Goodreads Rating: 3.81/5
Just like Bridgerton's first season, its source story introduced the titular family and remains a special one for fans. The romance between Daphne and Simon is compelling with its fake dating trope, but the reproductive coercion near the end is just too much for many readers.
6. On the Way to the Wedding (Gregory Bridgerton, #8)
Goodreads Rating: 3.84/5
The last novel in the series is quite different from the other books and offers many twists and turns that make reading an emotional rollercoaster. Gregory is an extremely romantic, sweet, and slightly crazy young man who will do anything for true love, and fans can't wait to see his story adapted.
5. Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Colin Bridgerton, #4)
Goodreads Rating: 3.93/5
Readers say that Colin and Penelope's story is totally worth the crazy anticipation. The only thing that bothers many fans is Colin's temper in the book. He is over the top, cold and rude at times, which will hopefully be changed in the show.
4. An Offer From a Gentleman (Benedict Bridgerton, #3)
Goodreads Rating: 3.94/5
Many fans were frustrated by the change of story order in the series, as Benedict's Cinderella retelling ranks higher than Colin's novel and remains the favorite of many readers.
The plot is gripping and enjoyable with some issues in the relationship development.
3. It's in His Kiss (Hyacinth Bridgerton, #7)
Goodreads Rating: 4.00/5
The youngest Bridgerton, who is pleasantly outspoken, opinionated, and bold in her novel, shares second place in the rating thanks to the fun romantic arc with an amazing treasure-hunting subplot. Looks like we have a lot to look forward to.
2. When He Was Wicked (Francesca Bridgerton, #6)
Goodreads Rating: 4.00/5
It may come as a surprise, but Francesca's story doesn't revolve around her first marriage (spoiler: her first husband dies), leading many fans to believe that the third daughter will marry already in Season 3 of the series.
As a beautiful story about loss, grief, and moving on, it's one of Quinn's best loved books, and readers can't wait for it to be adapted for the small screen.
1. The Viscount Who Loved Me (Anthony Bridgerton, #2)
Goodreads Rating: 4.03/5
Believe it or not, it could happen that Bridgerton Season 2 remains the best of all. After all, Anthony and Kate's story ranks highest among readers. The enemies-to-lovers trope just does it to people, we guess.